ICC Denies Favouritism Allegations, Blames Gulf Airspace Crisis for Travel Delays

New Delhi — The International Cricket Council (ICC) has responded to the travel disruptions that have left several teams stranded in India after the conclusion of their campaigns in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, attributing the delays to the ongoing crisis in the Gulf region.

In an official statement, the ICC sought to address growing frustration among players and officials, while firmly rejecting claims that certain teams were given preferential treatment in travel arrangements. The global cricket body said the disruptions were caused by widespread instability affecting international flight routes across the Gulf.

According to the ICC, the conflict in the Middle East and West Asia has led to significant aviation disruptions, including airspace closures, missile alerts, rerouted flights, and the sudden cancellation or rescheduling of both commercial and charter services.

“We recognise that players, coaches, support staff and their families who have finished their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 commitments are eager to return home. Their continued stay in India has understandably caused frustration, and the ICC shares that concern,” the governing body said.

The ICC explained that the current situation has made organising travel far more complicated than usual. Airspace restrictions and safety concerns across parts of the Gulf have forced airlines to alter routes and limit flight availability, creating delays beyond the organisation’s control.

It added that officials have been working constantly with airlines, charter operators, airport authorities, and government agencies across several countries to arrange safe departures for the affected teams.

Among those impacted are the West Indies and South Africa squads. The West Indies completed their final match of the tournament on March 1 but have remained in India since then. South Africa have also been unable to leave following their semifinal defeat to New Zealand on March 4.

The ICC said travel arrangements are now being finalised. Members of the South African contingent are expected to begin their journey home on Tuesday night, with all departures scheduled to be completed within the next 36 hours.

For the West Indies team, nine members have already started their journey back to the Caribbean, while the remaining 16 are expected to depart India within the next 24 hours.

The situation sparked controversy after England managed to fly back to the United Kingdom last Saturday using a charter flight from Mumbai shortly after their semifinal exit, while the West Indies remained in Kolkata for more than a week after their Super 8 elimination.

Responding to the criticism, the ICC dismissed suggestions that any travel decisions were influenced by favouritism.

“The ICC strongly rejects any suggestion that decisions were made on any basis other than safety, practicality and the welfare of those involved. Claims circulating across various media platforms by individuals unfamiliar with the operational realities are both inaccurate and unhelpful,” the statement said.

The organisation clarified that England’s travel arrangements were unrelated to those being made for South Africa and the West Indies, noting that each case involved different routes, flight availability and operational circumstances.

Reiterating its priorities, the ICC emphasised that the safety and wellbeing of players, staff and their families — including those travelling with spouses and young children — remained paramount.

“We will not proceed with travel arrangements until we are satisfied that they are completely safe. That commitment remains unchanged,” the statement concluded.

The ICC also thanked players, team officials, national boards and partners for their patience during what it described as an exceptionally challenging situation, adding that its teams continue to work round the clock while staying in close contact with team management as the situation evolves.

With inputs from IANS